A Night of Connections: The Gift Watching a Movie with Strangers Gave Me

Tendayi Nyeke
Aug 28
2 min read

How it Started

Almost three years ago, I went to see Wakanda Forever with friends. It was my first month in a new country and I didn't know many people. The primary reason I attended was to see a filmmaker I loved, Ryan Coogler, direct the second installment of the Black Panther franchise, and it was a no-brainer. What was an extra no-brainer was that the outing was part of a pan-African filmmaking community, and so that felt even more special. I didn't know who would come, but when we all gathered outside the theatre, it was electric. We were all fans of what Mr. Coogler had done with the first film, and we were all dressed up, looking fly in our African print, like the African Union.

The Iconic Interior of the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood (2022)

First Impressions

I felt an immediate connection with my fellow movie watchers, all rallying around the love for this director, the world he had created, and how it had galvanized us to aspire to greater things.

Connections Formed

As I walked in, I immediately hit it off with several people, and the fact that many of them are my friends today is because we had one thing in common: a love for a particular kind of movie. But that's a story for another day.

A Surprise Encounter

The story of this post is something you could never guess. I sure didn't. As the lights dimmed and the movie was about to start, with friendships brewing, out walked Ryan Coogler, Angela Bassett looking as glorious as ever, and incredible producer Nate Moore.

They came out and were doing a theatre tour, saying hi to fans. My jaw dropped. I loved it.

Actress Angela Bassett, producer Nate Moore and director Ryan Coolger say hi to cinema attendees (2022)

Two Wins from Going to See A Movie with Strangers

I had two wins that night, from going to see a movie. Wakanda Forever gifted me the opportunity to see the creative mind behind such a powerful film, a top cast, and a producing team right there in front of us, which was incredible. But the greater gift was the seed of new friendships and community, and I got to work with creative giants right there, in the same room as me, celebrating this moment with us.

Ryan Coolger, Wakanda Forever, thanks the Audience for Coming to See the Film (2022)

Be a Stranger, make a Friend.

This is my wish for 'Loved Out': that it sparks unexpected connections, inspiration, and impressions that will light a fire in all who see it, to reach out and find common ground with strangers in the cinema.